(MA) Massive cannabis haul in Morocco

RABAT (AFP) — Police in Morocco have uncovered more than 20 tonnes of cannabis resin, one of the country’s largest ever hash hauls, hidden in steel crates destined for France, an official said Saturday.

The crates were found in a consignment of machinery at the premises of an international transportation company in Morocco’s largest city and main port Casablanca.

Police launched an investigation following Friday’s find and issued

arrest warrants for those implicated, the official said, adding the amount of hashish seized could be exceed 24 tonnes.

Moroccan police announced last month a record seizure of 32.2 tonnes of cannabis resin, also in Casablanca, but this time in a consignment destined for Spain.

Police did not give an estimated street value for Friday’s haul but April’s was put at three million euros (4.2 million dollars).

Moroccan authorities seized 110.8 tonnes of hashish in 2008, slightly down on the previous year, according to official figures.